I am trying to setup a motion system using a PXI-7334 4 axis stepper controller via UMI-7774 to control some (very) expensive vacuum motors connected to a series of Phytron ZSO Mini power drive amplifiers. Before connecting up the Phytron parts, we thought we'd just test the NI parts to ensure we are outputing the proper signals so that we do not create any potential mishandling/damage to these very expensive motors.
So far, we're not able to get very, er, far, with this test setup. For one thing, regardless of the limit switches jumper setting on the UMI, the limit switches are always triggered under MAX. At least when the UMI is powered up with two separate power supplies for power isolation. In trying to determine if it is even working, we wanted to hook up some of the limited switches to just get some interaction to confirm that the UMI is working. How should we close the circuit on each of the home, forward and reverse switches? Pin 10-12 are labled home, forward, and reverse, but where is the common line (if it is indeed common) that they need to be connected to in order to complete the circuit?
This is of course, assuming that limit switches are even necessary in order to conduct some simple step tests in order to measure pulses coming out of the UMI. I've gone as far as disabling all of the limited switches in the configuration setion of Max and still, I am not able to get any movements out of MAX.
This is on an NI integrated PXI chassis which we purchased with a P4 2.2GHz embedded controller.
Thank you in advance for you considerations,
Dominic